On the money

Tuesday

Nov 20, 2012 at 12:01 AMNov 20, 2012 at 10:14 AM

As other major American cities struggle to provide the basic services, Columbus is fortunate to have leadership that has locked down expenses and is able to propose a 2013 budget that invests in improving neighborhoods, strengthening safety forces and creating jobs.

As other major American cities struggle to provide the basic services, Columbus is fortunate to have leadership that has locked down expenses and is able to propose a 2013 budget that invests in improving neighborhoods, strengthening safety forces and creating jobs.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman on Thursday proposed a $766 million blueprint that keeps spending largely flat for most city departments, with two notable exceptions: Coleman carved out an additional $19 million to bolster the cityís police and fire division. His budget would allow the hiring of 90 additional police recruits and 35 fire recruits. That would give Columbus 1,903 police officers and 1,552 firefighters.

Police Chief Kimberley Jacobs said the additional officers will allow her to better combat gangs, solve more homicides and boost patrols. Columbus is growing, and these reinforcements are much needed.

In this budget, Coleman keeps his pledge to voters, who approved a 2009 city-income-tax increase, raising the rate from 2 percent to 2.5 percent. He had promised to replenish the depleted rainy-day fund by 2014; instead he will do so a full year early. The 2013 budget adds $10 million to restore this fundís $50 million balance.

And Coleman wants to go one better: He wants to quickly grow the fund to $75 million.

This is a prime reason why Columbus is the largest American city to receive the highest-possible credit rankings from each of the nationís three major rating agencies. This saves taxpayers millions of dollars on lower interest rates for roadwork, construction and other capital projects.

Coleman also is keeping his promises to provide more services (such as recycling), cut operating expenses and reopen recreation facilities, including closed swimming pools. The 2013 budget also would invest $440,000 to give teens summer jobs.

This 2013 budget is healthy for two reasons: Voters were willing to tax themselves at a higher rate to preserve their quality of life; and Coleman has held the line on expenses, by negotiating reductions in employee health-care and pension costs, an estimated $210 million savings through 2019.

This, along with an engaged and supportive business community, has allowed Columbus to weather the recession far better than most, with a vibrant economy and revitalized Downtown.

Colemanís proposed 2013 budget will be open to public hearings and some tweaking by the city council before its adoption in February. But this budget is strong as it stands. It improves the quality of life and safety within the city, creates jobs and further cements the cityís stability by replenishing the rainy-day fund.